The Director, Safety and Security reports directly to the Executive Vice President (EVP), Engineering and Construction and is accountable to the Executive Director for the execution of safety and security policies and plans. The Director, Safety and Security is responsible for the development and oversight of the safety and security management plan (SSMP) for Austin Light Rail, including the establishment of safety and security organizational capacity (committees, contractor support, etc.) and system safety and security certification program in coordination with agency partners. This position has the authority to direct, review, and audit safety and security activities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The essential duties and primary responsibilities below are intended to describe the general requirements of this job and are not intended to be an exhaustive statement of duties. Other duties may be assigned.

• Foster a positive safety culture through the development, communication and implementation of safety and security management policies and procedures, including training programs and supporting the health, safety, and security of employees
• Provide oversight of safety and security management to ensure design, construction, testing, certification and commissioning activities are monitored, audited and reported in accordance with the SSMP and local, state and federal requirements for safety and security management
• Establish safety and security organizational capacity for the light rail program, including necessary committees to be comprised of agency partners, consultants and contractors as appropriate and in compliance with federal requirements for safety and security management
• Escalate any issues to the EVP Engineering and Construction and/ or ATP Executive Director, as appropriate
• Provide safety and security related input and guidance informed by industry standards, best practices, and lessons learned by working with all levels of ATP staff in planning, organizing, coordinating, and implementing strategies and programs affecting assigned areas of responsibility
• Provide recommendations and feedback on staff and agency-wide safety and security performance to ATP executive leadership
• Collaborates to develop solutions to complex challenges and align work with Federal, State and local statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS-EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in Occupational Health and Safety, Engineering, Construction Management/ Administration, Construction Science or closely related field
• Seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in safety and security management on transit programs, including three (3) years of supervisory experience in transportation related government or private sector organizations and/or an equivalent combination of education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics consistent with the required qualifications sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties in accordance with 49 CFR Part 672, possess the Federal Transit Administration PTSCP
• Experience with performing safety and security certification for major-capital projects in accordance with FTA’s Handbook for Transit Safety and Security Certification and industry-best practices

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Strong collaborative, relationship-building and communication skills required. Must be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all levels of staff (internally and externally) in a culturally diverse workforce, community groups, outside agency partners, other governmental officials, and the general public
• Excellent people and project management skills, including ability to manage both staff and consultant projects and activities
• Make sound independent decisions in accordance with established policy
• Thorough knowledge of transit and transportation practices, particularly required processes, procedures, and other requirements for federally funded transit projects with specific focus on Federal Transit Administration New Starts process and requirements
• Advanced interpersonal skills to effectively and sensitively communicate with all levels of management and non-management employees in a culturally diverse workforce when counseling and instructing staff, interpreting policies and procedures or interacting in meetings
• High level of analytical and creative skills and ability to find creative, imaginative or unique solutions to complex interpersonal, professional, technical, financial, and administrative problems
• Highly developed oral and written communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to evaluate different alternatives and select or recommend the one that best meets the business and professional need of the situation without regard for personal biases
• Must be proficient in using business and communications software, preferably Microsoft Office 365 which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

• Commitment to advancing ATP’s mission by proactively identifying initiatives and projects aligned with organizational goals
• Demonstrates integrity, transparency, and ethical behavior in all interactions, decisions, and endeavors
• As applicable, leads, mentors, and develops a high-performing team committed to achieving common goals and objectives. Develops and articulates clear performance objectives and expectations
• Demonstrates leadership in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within ATP

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work is generally performed in an office environment, but often requires attendance at public meetings, stakeholder meetings, and/or job sites. ATP promotes a safe and healthy work environment and provides appropriate safety and equipment training for all employees as required.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY

ATP is committed to building a workplace where inclusion is valued. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and committed to creating a welcoming and diverse environment. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, pregnancy, age, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. ATP makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and organization needs at the time.